Cause and effect in childhood obesity: solutions for a national epidemic.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. As a result, children are at increased risk for myriad preventable acute and chronic medical problems--many of which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, childhood obesity has serious psychosocial consequences, such as low self-esteem, lower quality of life, and depression. The multifaceted causes and solutions to this pervasive health issue are discussed in the present review, as are pertinent health policy issues. Osteopathic physicians and other healthcare providers can play an important role in patient and family education, direct care, and advocacy.
Wieting
J Michael
JM
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN 37752-5245, USA. jmwdoc@earthlink.net
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D040241:Social Marketing; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology